Gen X One-Hit Wonders
Every generation has one-hit wonders, including Generation X. In honor, Audio Ink Radio presents its tally of the best one-hit wonders of Gen X. – Author: Anne Erickson, Vanilla Ice, “Ice Ice Baby” single cover via X-Ray / Cleopatra
Each generation has their own one-hit wonders, and Gen X is no exception. In general, the average Gen X music lover likely listened to a mix of grunge, hip-hop, pop and even “dad rock,” which was popular in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. Some of those bands had one big hit and then disappeared from popular culture. But, at least these bands and artists had that one big hit that made them a household name among Gen Xers. In honor of this period in time, Audio Ink Radio presents its tally of the best one-hit wonders of Gen X.
One-Hit Wonders of the Gen X Era
Before we get to the hits, let’s look at the definition of Gen X. According to Britannica, Gen X, or Generation X, is a term used to label the generation of Americans born between 1965 and 1980. Over the years, the date range has altered a bit, but as of now, this is generally the date range for the Gen X generation. Generation X comes after the baby boomers and before the millennial generation.
When it comes to Gen X and music, one of the biggest musical tragedies for the generation was the death of Kurt Cobain in 1994. Nirvana, and grunge music overall, was very much a Generation X thing in the early 1990s. Losing Cobain was a tragic moment for a generation who looked to him as a kind of musical, and social, idol. While grunge music was also enjoyed by generation following Gen X, such as the millennials, it really originated with the Xers.
Lipps Inc., “Funkytown”
“Won’t you take me to a funky town?” The answer is always, “yes.” Disco and funk group Lipps Inc. released “Funkytown” in 1980, off the band’s 1979 debut studio album, “Mouth to Mouth.” The younger Gen Xers might not remember this one too well, because it was released right as they were being born, but it remained popular for years to come, so it’s certainly a Gen X hit.
Los Del Rio, “Macarena”
Even those who are outside of Generation X know the “Macarena.” This was really the dance song of the 1990s. Spanish pop duo Los del Río released the song on their 1993 album “A mí me gusta,” and a remix from the Bayside Boys reached No. 45 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1995. It’s Gen X’s dance anthem, or at least one of them.
Modern English, “I Melt With You”
Gen X was the MTV era, and Modern English had a chart-topper, and music video hit, in “I Melt With You.” The song, which arrived on the band’s 1982 album “After the Snow,” got lots of airplay on MTV and worked its way onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart, thanks to both being featured in the movie “Valley Girl” and on MTV.
Sir Mix-a-Lot, “Baby Got Back”
Sir Mix-a-Lot broke out in 1992 with his super catchy, fun hip-hop jam, “Baby Got Back.” The song marked the second single off his third album, “Mack Daddy,” and sampled the 1986 Detroit techno single “Technicolor” by Channel One. It shot up the charts and quickly became a favorite for everyone from underground rappers to pop fans.
Vanilla Ice, “Ice Ice Baby”
In 1990, rapper Vanilla Ice, K. Kennedy and DJ Earthquake took the world by storm with their debut single, “Ice Ice Baby.” The song sampled the famous bassline of the Queen and David Bowie song “Under Pressure” and arrived Vanilla Ice’s debut album, “To the Extreme.” It wasn’t only a hit but also inspired a generation of pop-rap to follow. Vanilla Ice also hit it big with “Play That Funky Music,” but nothing beats “Ice Ice Baby.”
For more one-hit wonders, find the best of the 1980s in this Audio Ink Radio feature.
- Gen X One-Hit Wonders - March 8, 2025
- Celebrated Rock One-Hit Wonders of the ’80s - March 5, 2025
- The Greatest One-Hit Wonder of All Time - March 1, 2025
